MISSOULA- We have been investigating chatter around Missoula about possible sexual assaults involving University of Montana students for about a week.

UM officials have now confirmed that a former Montana Supreme Court Justice has been asked to investigate what, if anything happened.

One question that has been raised: Are high-profile students the focus of the investigation, either as victims or potential suspects?

Over the last week, rumors surfaced that several women, who might be students, were drugged and raped, but none of the alleged victims reported the crimes to police.

"The investigation is focused on the entire campus, it's not focused on one segment or another on campus," University of Montana Vice President Jim Foley told us.

Former Montana Supreme Court Justice Diane Barz is now in Missoula to head the UM's investigation and will receive help from the Dean of Students and the Director of Equality, Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

"We're investigating allegations of sexual assault that may involve date rape on campus," said Foley.

Local law enforcement officials say that as it stands now, they can't start an investigation because the alleged victims haven't reported a crime.

"At least coming forward to law enforcement and providing details of the allegation is very critical for us to be able to actually pursue any kind of investigation," explained Missoula Police Chief Mark Muir.

He added that just reporting the crime helps police and the community know what's going on and the victims will never be forced to file charges against the suspect.

UM officials say that for now they are investigating the allegations internally and once that investigation is complete, they will decide what to do next.

Foley couldn't disclose any specific details about the investigation, but he did say "appropriate people will be interviewed". The review has to be completed by the end of this month.

Contact Irina Cates